Spot locating and drying apparatus



Dec. 11, 1934.

J. R. HOLDER SPOT LOCATING AND-DRYING APPARATUS Filed June 21, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet l seph H Holder J. R; HOLDER 1,984,267

SPOT LOCATING AND DRYTNG AP PARATUS Filed June 21. 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 115867172 H.110 Zder Patented Dec. .11, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE .10 Claim.

This invention relates to a spot locating and drying apparatus designed primarily for use in connection with the dry cleaning of silks and silk dresses, but it is to be understood that the apparatus, in accordance with the invention may be employed for any purpose for which it is found applicable, and the invention has for its object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an apparatus of the class referred to for quickly locating the spots in the article being cleaned and for expeditiously and completely eliminating the formation of water rings in the article acted upon.

As is well known in the present method employed for dry cleaning silks, the article to be cleaned is placed on a marble slab and it is spotted by hand. After being spotted it is chamoised, then hung up to dry and the result is that there remains in the article a water ring at each spotted point. The water rings are then removed by ironing and brushes. The apparatus in accordance with this invention eliminates the time required by the presser in brushing out the spots. Under the present method the spotter cannot know for sure that all the spots have been eliminated until a the article is completely dry and he may be compelled to do the same work over as far as the spotting is concerned, and which objection is overcome by the use of the apparatus in accordance with this invention.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an apparatus of the class referred to whereby its use for the purpose intended thereby will enable silk finishers to turn out a greater. amount of work in a day than that accomplished by the method now used.

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an apparatus for the purpose referred to which is simple in its construction, strong, durable, compact, thoroughly efficient in its use, expeditious in its action, readily assembled, conveniently repaired when occasion requires, and comparatively inexpensive to set up.

To the above ends essentially, and to others which may hereinafter appear, the invention consists of such parts, and such combination of parts which fall within the scope of the invention as claimed. I

In the drawings:-

Figure l is a top plan view of the apparatus,

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view,

Figure 3 is a section on line 3-3 Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view in section on line 4-4 Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a sectional detail showing One, of the vertical supports,

Figure 6- is a sectional detail taken at right angles to Figure 5, and.

Figure I is a fragmentary view in section on line 7-7 Figure 1.

The apparatus is shown by way of example as 5 anchored upon and extended from one end of an upstanding stationary stand or supporting structure 1 formed with spaced parallel parts 2 at its top. The parts 2 are of T-shaped cross section and secured to the base of the apparatus by the holdfast devices 3. It is to be understood however that the apparatus may be anchored to any form of supporting structure capable of holding it in the desired position for use.

The base of the apparatus is designated 4 and it is in the form of an ironing board of the desired length and width. The base 4 has itsend 5 square and its end 6 rounded. The base 4 is formed of two stretches '7, 8 merging into each other at their inner ends. The stretch 7 is of rectangular contour, of uniform width throughout and of greater length than stretch 8. The latter gradually decreases in width from its point of mergence with stretch 8 to the rounded end 6 of base 4." The latter has its upper face formed with sockets 9 to provide for the countcrsinking of the heads of the holdfast devices 3. The base 4 is of greater length than the top of and extends from the end 10 of the stand 1. The stretch 7 of base 4 is seated on and has its end 5 flush with the end 11 of the stand. The holdfast devices 3 are arranged to extend through the stretch 7.

Mounted upon and transversely of the stretch '1, at a point between the transverse median of the latter and the end 5 is an oblong inner end wall forming part 12 standing on its lower lengthwise edge, anchored to stretch '7' and provided with an angle shape groove 13 opening at the outer side and bottom edge thereof. Mounted upon the stretch 8 and flush with the end 6 of the 40 base 4 is an upstanding outer end wall forming part 14 provided on its inner face with a groove 15 extending lengthwise thereof. The parts 12 and 14 are suitably anchored to the base 4. The part 14 conforms in contour to the end 6 of base 4. Mounted upon the stretches 7 and 8 are a pair of oppositely disposed composite side wall forming parts 16, 17 of like form and each of which consists of an upper section 18, an intermediate section 19 and a lower section 20 arranged in H superimposed relation. The sections 18, 19 and 20 are secured together by spaced dowels 21 ex tending through section 19 into sections 18 .and 20. Holdfast means 22 are provided for anchoring section 20 to base 4. The parts l6, 17 have spectively opening at one end into the ends of groove 15. The groove 23 is of less length than roove 24 and has its other end closed. The groove 24 opens at its other end into a groove 25 formed in the inner face of part 12 above groove 13.

The parts 16 and 17 are arranged between, abut the ends of and are flush with the parts 12 and 14. The parts 12, 14, 16 and 17 coact to provide a hollow upstanding frame 17 forming respectively the end and side walls of a chamber 26. The bottom of the chamber 26 is formed by the stretch 6 and a part of the stretch 7. The parts 16, 17 are flush with the side edges of the stretches 7. 8. The top edge of the frame 17' provided by the parts 12, 14; 16 and 17 has its inner portion rabbeted throughout to form an endless ledge 27 and an endless shoulder 28.

Mounted in and anchored to said frame 17' is a reflector element 29 formed of a bottom part 30, a pair of upstanding end flanges 31 and a pair of upstanding side flanges 32. The flanges 31 merge.

, into the flanges 32. The flanges 31 and 32 merge into the bottom part 39. The shape of element 29 corresponds to that of the frame 17'. The lower side and end corners of element 29 are rounded as at 33. The end flanges 31 abut the inner faces of the parts 12, 14. The side flanges 32 abut the inner faces of the parts 16, 17. The flanges 31,

32 extend to a point in close proximity to the... p

" ,ioning element 53.

ledge 27. The element 29 is secured to the frame 17' by the holdfast means 34, 35 and 36.

Arranged against and secured to the outer end flange 31 of element 29 adjacent one side of the. longitudinal median of the latter is a holder 37" ioran electric lamp 38. A reflector 39 of convex contour is carried by the holder, is arranged over the lamp and extends transversely of element 29 to 'a point adjacent the other side of the said longitudinal median. v

Arranged against each side flange 32 of element 29 between the transverse median and each end of the latter is a holder 40 for an electric lamp 41. A reflector 42 of convex contour is carried by each holder 40, is arranged over a lamp 41 and extends lengthwise of said element towards the outer end "of the latter. The lamp 38 opposes the groove 15, a pair of lamps 41 oppose the groove 23' and a pair of lamps 41 oppose the groove 24. The holders 41 are secured in position by the holdfast means 35.

Secured to the outer face part 12 is a double switch 40' adapted-to be connected to a source of electrical supply, not shown. Extending from switch 40' and arranged in the grooves 15, 23,24 and 25 are circuit connections 42' which are electrically connected to the lamps 38, 41. I

Arranged between the side flanges 32 of the element 29 is a pair of spaced parallel oppositely disposed combined bracing and sustaining members 43, 44 of like form, and each consists of an anglebar 45 having its horizontal flange arranged at the top of and at right angles to its vertical flange. The bar 45 at each end merges into an apertured rectangular coupling plate 46 standing on its lower lengthwise edge and having its upper lengthwise edge flush with the upper face of the horizontal flange of the bar. The members 43, 44 are disposed in proximity to the wall forming parts 12, 14 respectively. The plates 46 of each bar 45 are anchored to the flanges 32 by the hold- 1,984,267 their inner faces formed with grooves '23, 24 replate 46 are spaced from and arranged below the top edges of flanges 32.

There is arranged within and at the longitudinal median of the reflector 29 a pair of upstanding oppositely disposed holder or supporting members 48, 49 which associate with the members 43, 44 respectively. Each holder member includes a vertical oblong bar 50 having its upper and lower ends provided with flanges 51, 52 respectively disposed at right angles thereto. The bar 50 has the upper portion of one side thereof welded to the inner side face of the vertical flange of a bar 45. The bar 50 is disposed centrally with respect to the vertical flange of bar 45. The upper face of the flange 51 of the bar 50 is flush with the upper face of the horizontal flange of a bar 45. Secured upon the horizontal flange of a bar 45 and the upper flange 51 of a bar 50 is a resilient cushioning element 53 of a width corresponding to that of flange 51, and'o! a length to extend from the end edge of flange 51 to the outer side edge of a horizontal flange of a bar 45.

Each holder member also includes an angle iron 54 having a vertical flange 55 and a horizontalv flange 56 extending outwardly at right angles to the lower end of flange 55. The flange 55 is welded to the lower portion of the non-flanged 'side of the bar 50. The flange 56 is flush with a flange 52. Seated upon the bottom part of element 29 and secured to flanges 52 and 56 is a resilient cushioning element 57 similar to the cush- Arranged at the longitudinal median ofelement 129 in close proximity to the top thereof is an electrical heater 58 in the form of a. pair of parallel heating coils 59, 60 preferably of about 250 watt power. The coils 59, 60 are supported at their ends by a pair of parallel short bars 61, 62 of non-conducting material which are resiliently suspended from the members 43, 44, respectively, as at 63, 64 respectively. A circuit connection 65 common to the coils is arranged within the base 4 and the groove 13. The connection 65 leads from switch 40' to a socket 66 anchored in and insulated from bottom part 30 of element 29. Circuit connections 67 lead from the heater 58 and which includes a plug 68 for coaction with the socket plug 66 to electrically couple the element 58 to the connection 65.

Mounted upon the ledge 27 and opposing shoulder 28 is a transparent closure 69 for the chamber 26. The closure 69 is formed from any suitable heat resisting material. The heater 58 is arranged in close proximity to the closure 69 and the latter near its inner end is provided with a handle means 70 to enable convenient access to the interior of the apparatus when desired. The thickness of the closure 26 is such that it will be flush with the non-rabbeted portion of the top edge of frame 17'. The length and width of closure 69 is such as to have a close fitting with respect to shoulder 28. The closure 69 bears upon the resilient cushioning elements 53.

The heater element 58 is of sufficient power when active to heat the closure suiflciently to dry the water used in spotting and to eliminate the water rings.

When the apparatus is used, the article or garment is spaced over the closure 69 by the spotter from the end 6 of the base; now the lights and of again spotting as is often the case in'the method now generallyemployed.

What I claim is:-

l. A spot locating and drying apparatus comprising a base, means mounted thereon and coacting therewith to provide an open top chamber, a reflector element seated upon the bottom of and formed with side and end flanges bearing against the walls of said chamber, lamps arranged and supported from an end flange and the side flanges of said reflectors, a downwardly opening reflecting means arranged over each of said lamps, spaced parallel supporting and bracing structures arranged within said element, a transparent closure for the open top of said chamber, and an electrical heating means positioned in proximity to the inner face of said closure and suspended from said structures.

2. A spot locating and drying apparatus comprising a base, means mountedthereon and coacting therewith to provide an open top chamber, a reflector element seated upon the bottom of and v formed with side and end flanges bearing against the walls of said chamber, lamps arranged and supported from an end flange and the side flanges of said reflectors, a downwardly opening reflecting means arranged over each of said lamps, spaced parallel supporting and bracing structures arranged within said element, a transparent closure for the open top of said chamber, and an electrical heating means positioned in proximity to the inner race of said closure and suspended from said structures, and each of said structures including a resilient cushioning means seating against the reflector and a resilient cushioning means bearing against the inner face of said closure.

3. A spot locating and drying apparatus comprising a base, means mounted thereon and coacting therewith to provide an open top chamber, a reflector element seated upon the bottom of and formed with side and end flanges bearing against the walls of said chamber, lamps arranged and supported from an end flange and the side flanges of said reflectors, a downwardly opening reflecting means arranged over each of said lamps, spaced parallel supporting and bracing structures arranged within said element, a transparent closure for the open top of said chamber, an electrical heating means positioned in proximity to the inner face of said closure and suspended from said structures, a two-way switch arranged exteriorly of and anchored to one of the walls of said chamber, the walls and bottom of said chamber being grooved, electrical connections for said lamps leading from said switch and arranged in the grooves of said walls, and electrical connections for said heating means arranged in the groove of said bottom and in said element.

4. In a spot locating and drying apparatus a structure providing'an open top chamber having side and end walls ,provided with inwardly open grooves adapted to receive the conductors of a lighting circuit, said chamber-having a bottom formed with an inwardly opening groove adapted to receive the conductors of a heatingcircuit, a two-way switch anchored to one of the walls of said chamber and common to the conductors of said circuits, a reflector element within said ment, a lamp secured to the outer end flange of said element, said lamps adapted to be electrically connected to the conductors of said lighting circuit, a reflecting means arranged over the lamps secured to said side flanges and extending lengthwise of the latter,,a reflecting means arranged over the lamp secured to said end flange and disposed transversely of said element, an electrical heater within and disposed lengthwise of said element and adapted to be electrically connected to the conductors of said heating circuit, a transparent closure for said chamber, and bracing and transparent closure for the open top of said chamher, and spaced supporting and bracing structures arranged within and secured to the side flanges of said element and connected to the ends of said heating element.

6. In a spot locating and drying apparatus, an elongated chamber, a reflector element arranged within and having upstanding side and end flanges opposing the walls of said chamber,"

illuminating devices arranged in proximity to the upper end of the side flanges and an end flange of said element, a downwardly opening reflecting means arranged over each of said devices, an electrical heater disposed lengthwise of said element above said reflecting means, a transparent closure for the open top of said chamber, and spaced supporting and bracing structures arranged within and secured to the side flanges of said element and connected to the ends of said heating element, said structures including resilient cushioning means bearing against the inner face of said closure.

7. In a spot locating and drying apparatus, an elongated chamber, a reflector element arranged within and having upstanding side and end flanges opposing the walls of said chamber, illuminating devices arranged in proximity to the upper end of the side flanges and an end flange of said element, a downwardly opening reflecting means arranged over each of said devices, an electrical heater disposed lengthwise of said element above said reflecting means, a transparent closure for the open top of said chamber, spaced supporting and bracing structures arranged within and transversely of said element, said structures being secured to the upper end of said side flanges and bearing intermediate their ends upon said reflector element, resilient suspending means between the ends of said heater and the tops of said structures, and the latter being provided with cushioning means bearing against the, inner face of said closure. 7

8. In a spot locating and drying apparatus, an elongated open top chamber including side and end walls, an upwardly directed reflector element mounted upon the bottom of and formed with upstanding side and end flanges bearing against and of less height'than the walls of said chamher, a transparent closure for the open top of said chamber, illuminable structures secured to flanges of said element and each including a downwardly directed reflector member, an electric heater within said element, and spaced means within and secured to said element for supporting said heater.

9. In a spot locating and drying apparatus, an elongated open top chamber including side and end walls, an upwardly directed reflector element mounted upon the bottom of and formed with upstanding side and end flanges bearing against and of less height than the walls of said chamber, a transparent closure for the open top of said chamber, illuminable structures secured to flanges of said element and each including a downwardly directed reflector member, an electric heater within said element, said heater being arranged above said members and disposed lengthwise with respect to said closure, upstanding spaced parallel supporting devices within and secured to said element, said devices being spaced from said end flanges, and resilient suspension means connected to the upper ends of said devices and to the ends 01' said heater.

10. In a spot locating and drying apparatus,

an elongated open top chamber including side and end walls, an upwardly directed reflector element mounted upon the bottom of and formed with upstanding side and end flangesbearing against and of less height than the walls of said chamber, a transparent closure for the open top of said chamber, illuminable structures secured to flanges of said element and each including a downwardly directed reflector member, an electric heater within said element, said heater being arranged above said members and disposed lengthwise with respect to said closure, upstanding spaced parallel supporting devices within and secured to said element, said devices being spaced from said end flanges, and resilient suspension means connected to the upper ends of said devices and to the ends of said heater, and each of said devices including a resilient cushion bearing against the inner face of said closure.

JOSEPH R. HOLDER. 

